The inaugural Africa-Caribbean Business Trade Show commenced today at the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “One Culture, One Market, Unlimited Potential.” The two-day event, presented by the Africaribbean Trade & Logistics Consulting Group (ACTLCG) in collaboration with The Bahamas-Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Health, aims to foster greater economic collaboration and trade opportunities between the African continent and the Caribbean nations.
The opening ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Sabrina LaFleur, Chief Financial Officer of ACTLCG, who highlighted the significance of this landmark event in bridging the gap between the two regions. Ms. LaFleur emphasized the shared cultural heritage and the immense untapped potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Senator Barry Griffin, Attorney at Law and Vice President of the Senate & Chairman, Bahamas Trade Commission, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the historical and cultural bond between Africa and the Caribbean.
Senator Griffin underscored the historical ties and the compelling economic rationale for closer cooperation. He articulated the opportunities for joint ventures, investment, and knowledge sharing across various sectors.
Key Points
– *Historical Connection*: Africa and the Caribbean are connected by blood, history, culture, and opportunity, with a shared spirit of resilience and vibrancy.
– *Economic Partnership*: The African Union’s recognition of the Caribbean as a sixth region presents an opportunity for concrete economic partnerships and mutual growth.
– *Caribbean Market*: The Caribbean offers a market of over 15 million people, with 10s of millions of tourists visiting each year, bringing purchasing power and access to global consumer markets.
Opportunities for Collaboration
– *Diversification*: The Bahamas is implementing a national trade diversification strategy to identify new trade partners and unlock new avenues for sustainable economic development.
– *African Partnership*: African nations can provide stable and affordable sources of fresh produce, building supplies, and raw materials, while the Caribbean can offer a vibrant and lucrative market for African goods and businesses.
– *Grand Bahama Island*: The island’s deep- sea port presents an opportunity for the transshipment of African goods to the Caribbean, North America, and Latin America.
New Initiative
– *$50 Million Initiative*: The Bahamas and Afro ExIm Bank have partnered to build the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace on Grand Bahama Island, a world-class trade and business hub for African and Caribbean enterprises.
Call to Action
Senator Griffin emphasized the need for a unified commitment to act, sign deals, open up markets, and trade goods and services. He concluded, “Africa and the Caribbean are not just partners, we are family, and together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
The official declaration for the commencement of the trade show was made by Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of Diaspora
Affairs at the Office of the President of Ghana. Mr. Darko reiterated the Ghanaian government’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement and facilitating trade and investment with the Caribbean.
He expressed optimism that this event would serve as a catalyst for sustained economic growth and development for both regions.
The Africa-Caribbean Business Trade Show is expected to feature a series of networking sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions showcasing businesses and investment opportunities from both Africa and the Caribbean. Delegates from various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, technology, and finance, are participating in the event.
The theme, “One Culture, One Market, Unlimited Potential,” resonated strongly throughout the opening ceremony, setting a positive tone for the days ahead. Attendees are eager to explore the vast possibilities for collaboration and to forge lasting business relationships.
The Africa-Caribbean Business Trade Show has brought together leaders and entrepreneurs from both regions to forge a new era of collaboration and economic growth.
By Kingsley Asiedu
